Dogs are playful by nature so if you are considering getting a dog, then you should also consider getting some dog toys. This way, you can foster the proper playing environment for your dog, and you will not have to worry about him toppling over your appliances and furniture in your house.
However, before you do purchase those toys from the market, there are certain things you have to consider as well. After all, you would not want the toys you buy for your dog to harm him in any way now, would you? Yes, there are indeed times when the very toys you buy for your pet can be harmful to him. Small toys that come with strings, for instance, can cause choking. These can be ingested by your dog, if you do not exercise caution here. Thus, you should still be wary about the playthings you get for your pet.
For the most part, soft stuffed toys make great choices for dog toys, especially if your dog is just of small or medium size. These smaller dogs would see the stuffed toy as a mere comfort possession that they are just happy to carry around. If your dog is bigger in size, he might see the stuffed toy as some sort of prey, thereby feeling the instinctive nature to "kill" the stuffed toy. Thus, you have to keep in mind the size and the temperament of your dog.
Whatever toys you decide to get for your dog, make sure that they are dog proofed, so to speak. Remove all strings, ribbons, and small parts that can be tugged at or chewed by your dog, to avoid ingestion and choking. Even if your dog is well trained and everything, it is still the instinctive nature of dogs to be playful. Being the smarter, just do what you can to dog proof these toys. Also, make sure any stuffed toys that you get are washable by machine. This way, you do not have to worry about keeping your toys clean for your dog.
More importantly, go for toys that foster an interactive atmosphere. Exercise, after all, is a must to keep your dog healthy and fit. Thus, go for toys that can stimulate the activities of fetching and catching, which would be perfect for those long walks at the park or the beach. Dogs should also be taught the important of socialization because they are sociable pets, after all. Go for toys that teach your dogs valuable and appropriate social skills as well.
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There are plenty of toys on the market to keep your favorite pet entertained for hours on end, but there are also a number of factors to consider when purchasing toys for your pet. As with children's toys, safety should be first and foremost in your thoughts when considering a new toy purchase for your pet.
Be sure not to give your pet toys that can be broken up and potentially stuck in their throats! Dog toys, like dogs themselves, come in various shapes and sizes. Dog toys should be durable, fun, and safe. Hard rubber toys such as the "Kong" line of products can provide your favorite dog with endless hours of chewing fun.
The "Kong" can also be filled with a mixture of your dog's favorite treat and peanut butter! Please check with your veterinarian to ensure that it is okay to feed your dog peanut butter. Rope dog toys and rubber rings are always a bit hit with dogs that love to play fetch or tug-of-war. Playing "Frisbee" can also provide hours of entertainment for dogs and owners alike!
Dogs may also enjoy stuffed and furry toys, but be sure your pet cannot get at the stuffing inside as it can be a serious choking hazard. Toy birds and mice have traditionally proven to be very entertaining for cats. They especially seem to like the ones attached to string that you can pull and entice your furry feline to chase about!
They also seem to love simple cardboard boxes, tin-foil balls, and scrunched up newspaper! A recent favorite of cats and cat owners is the laser pointer. Cats never seem to tire from chasing that little red dot around, just be sure not to direct it at their eyes. The feather-and-pole type of toy is also very popular. Scratching posts are excellent forms of entertainment for cats, and they provide your cat something other than your furniture to dig their claws into! Hint: try sprinkling catnip on the post!!
There is also a series of catnip-stuffed toys and pillows that your cat will love. There are literally hundreds of pet toys on the market, just be sure to put safety first
Dog owners do love to think their dogs as their children. "That's my boy," they will say while referring to their own dogs. They will refer themselves as "Mummy" or "Daddy" while talking to the dogs as well. Of course, they get their dogs, some toys for playing with. Choosing the correct dog toys might be very tricky. People love to get cute and, squeaky toys to their dogs or get them stuffed toys to chew and carry it all over (the stuffed toy is the dog's "baby" often - "Get your boy, checkers! Checkers, where is the baby?") As they think it is "adorable." Dog toys need not be "cute." They should be practical, fun, durable, and importantly safe for the dog.
Avoid Non-Toys
For as loyal, friendly, lovable and playful as they would be, dogs aren't the brightest of creatures. They are quite naturally attracted to many things which can cause them harm. It is important to start off early with the dog, giving safe toys to play and chew with, when teaching the dog to avoid the household stuff it might wish to use a toy. Dogs like to chew on a pantyhose, for e.g., but these may be partially ingested, and chokes the doggie. Some dogs would chew on the power cords, risking a very harmful (or even fatal) shock. Teach the dog early on things which are for playing, chewing and things which are off the limits.
Safest Dog Toy
The size of it is a very important consideration. Balls, Kongs and other toys should be small enough such that the dog might chew and carry them along, but not very small that they may become locked in the dog's throat or mouth.
Durability is the other factor, mainly for dogs which loves to chew for a longtime. A toy which would easily break apart can surely become a hazard, because the sharp parts might be swallowed, get caught in throat, or cut in gums and mouth. Again, a very hard rubber Kong (one of the very best dog toys ever) is a very good choice.
Softer toys, as the popular "squeak" toy made up of very thin plastic and is full of air are very good for dogs which are a bit gentle. They are unlikely to chew such items and might be usually attracted to the sound of squeaking.
Tennis balls are a great choice for some doggies, but poor for others. This is a question of the size ratios. If the dog would be too small to be in a tennis ball in its mouth, then it might be a good toy that the doggie would love but it costs very little too. If the ball fits all the way to the dog's maw, it might become a choking hazard.